USCHO Fan Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.
SLU 2009-2010 Season
- Thread starter moko
- Start date
- Status
Got 6 Want More
New member
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
Possibly the best part about that is that Flanny is moving about and looking healthy!!!
Hi all,
You 'gotta check out the video on "Saints to the Max" where Derek Keller talks about his breakaway goal to seal it late. I haven't laughed this hard in weeks and can barely type this because I'm still laughing. It is a classic.
Possibly the best part about that is that Flanny is moving about and looking healthy!!!
hockeyplayer1015
Capt
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
So... while it is early and who knows if we'll even make an impact in a few weeks, here is what I see early on in the PWR now that we have cracked the top 25.
If we keep winning, our RPI rating will obviously increase accordingly. This only helps us, as it breaks any tiebreakers, and also gets us needed points in the comparisons. We are currently 24th in RPI, at .5167 .
We have, as of now, 3 more games against current TUC's: @Cornell, @ Union, @Yale. RPI and Q are 30, 31 respectively, and we could use RPI cracking the top 25 to give us an extra win, although Q already has 1 win against us, so we would get hurt by them coming back up the ladder. UNO is also just on the outside looking in, standing at 27th. That would be a tie, which doesn't hurt. Maine is at 20th, so we should be cheering against them in every game, as that would get that loss out of our record. It is important to note that for this statistic to count in any comparisons with other teams in the top 25 PWR, both teams need to have played 10 games against other TUC's. As of now, we will hit 10, however if Maine drops out, we need RPI, UNO or Q to step up into the top 25 RPI to give us 10 games. Obviously the 3 games stated above aren't necessarily must-wins, however anymore losses will hurt our chances of winning comparisons through TUC.
Going back to the last point, our current TUC record is 2-4-1. A winning record here is pretty important, so hopefully Maine falls out and RPI wins a lot in the next 5 weeks, except for Feb 5th
So... while it is early and who knows if we'll even make an impact in a few weeks, here is what I see early on in the PWR now that we have cracked the top 25.
If we keep winning, our RPI rating will obviously increase accordingly. This only helps us, as it breaks any tiebreakers, and also gets us needed points in the comparisons. We are currently 24th in RPI, at .5167 .
We have, as of now, 3 more games against current TUC's: @Cornell, @ Union, @Yale. RPI and Q are 30, 31 respectively, and we could use RPI cracking the top 25 to give us an extra win, although Q already has 1 win against us, so we would get hurt by them coming back up the ladder. UNO is also just on the outside looking in, standing at 27th. That would be a tie, which doesn't hurt. Maine is at 20th, so we should be cheering against them in every game, as that would get that loss out of our record. It is important to note that for this statistic to count in any comparisons with other teams in the top 25 PWR, both teams need to have played 10 games against other TUC's. As of now, we will hit 10, however if Maine drops out, we need RPI, UNO or Q to step up into the top 25 RPI to give us 10 games. Obviously the 3 games stated above aren't necessarily must-wins, however anymore losses will hurt our chances of winning comparisons through TUC.
Going back to the last point, our current TUC record is 2-4-1. A winning record here is pretty important, so hopefully Maine falls out and RPI wins a lot in the next 5 weeks, except for Feb 5th
Last edited:
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
It's a little weird how now teams actually WANT RPI to win..... First Union, now you, I wonder who's next on the list, probably Colgate...
After the past few games, it's probably too soon to say your team is for real (though I am becoming quite convinced), but you're definitely coming on strong. I'm liking your play style (At least from what I can see in the box score), and wish you well with the exception of February 5th.
Remember, the top 8 is separated by 4 points; this league is definitely up for grabs.
And on a sidenote: Make sure the concession stand continues to serve french fries, gravy, and cheese..... it's one of my favorites.
It's a little weird how now teams actually WANT RPI to win..... First Union, now you, I wonder who's next on the list, probably Colgate...
After the past few games, it's probably too soon to say your team is for real (though I am becoming quite convinced), but you're definitely coming on strong. I'm liking your play style (At least from what I can see in the box score), and wish you well with the exception of February 5th.
Remember, the top 8 is separated by 4 points; this league is definitely up for grabs.And on a sidenote: Make sure the concession stand continues to serve french fries, gravy, and cheese..... it's one of my favorites.
hockeyplayer1015
Capt
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
Well, we've already got 1 win against you, so hopefully you become a TUC and win every game except for Feb 5th, and we both can be happy
Ya know, at the winter break, I was cautiously optimistic. SLU almost always comes on strong in the spring, and after having a winning record (although against an uncharacteristically weak schedule, admittedly), I was hopeful we could make a run. After the BC win, UNO tie, then this latest stretch taking 7 of 8 against 2 top teams, a talented Colgate team, and our annual nemesis Brown, I now firmly believe this team can make the top 4. We've got some real tough weeks coming up, but I wouldn't consider any weekend in the ECAC easy. Dartmouth is coming on strong, and Clarkson is due to turn on the guns, however they have been for a couple months now...
I don't think you'll ever have to worry about them ditching poutine, thats a culinary favorite of the north country, adopted from our brethren to the north.
It's a little weird how now teams actually WANT RPI to win..... First Union, now you, I wonder who's next on the list, probably Colgate...
After the past few games, it's probably too soon to say your team is for real (though I am becoming quite convinced), but you're definitely coming on strong. I'm liking your play style (At least from what I can see in the box score), and wish you well with the exception of February 5th.
And on a sidenote: Make sure the concession stand continues to serve french fries, gravy, and cheese..... it's one of my favorites.
Well, we've already got 1 win against you, so hopefully you become a TUC and win every game except for Feb 5th, and we both can be happy
Ya know, at the winter break, I was cautiously optimistic. SLU almost always comes on strong in the spring, and after having a winning record (although against an uncharacteristically weak schedule, admittedly), I was hopeful we could make a run. After the BC win, UNO tie, then this latest stretch taking 7 of 8 against 2 top teams, a talented Colgate team, and our annual nemesis Brown, I now firmly believe this team can make the top 4. We've got some real tough weeks coming up, but I wouldn't consider any weekend in the ECAC easy. Dartmouth is coming on strong, and Clarkson is due to turn on the guns, however they have been for a couple months now...
I don't think you'll ever have to worry about them ditching poutine, thats a culinary favorite of the north country, adopted from our brethren to the north.
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
SLU is #17 on INCH this morning. We just missed to Michigan on the USCHO top 20 poll. Frankly, (without having bothered to do any math), I don't see how SLU can get to the dance without winning the ECAC tournament. Our schedule is going to drag us down. I'm also concerned about the injury to Pete Child. He was having a great year out of nowhere. How much will his loss hurt us down the stretch? What do the people who saw Saturday's game think about Mac Stratford's ability to step in here?
SLU is #17 on INCH this morning. We just missed to Michigan on the USCHO top 20 poll. Frankly, (without having bothered to do any math), I don't see how SLU can get to the dance without winning the ECAC tournament. Our schedule is going to drag us down. I'm also concerned about the injury to Pete Child. He was having a great year out of nowhere. How much will his loss hurt us down the stretch? What do the people who saw Saturday's game think about Mac Stratford's ability to step in here?
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
Having grown up in the North Country (the other side of the 'dacks in the Champlain Valley), I'm quite aware of it being a staple. You just don't see it too often anywhere else, and I'm happy you guys do it.
Has Michigan been putting it on strong as of late? You should have a PWR point (or two) for it (if that's the thing to look at), since we beat them and you beat us....
Having grown up in the North Country (the other side of the 'dacks in the Champlain Valley), I'm quite aware of it being a staple. You just don't see it too often anywhere else, and I'm happy you guys do it.
Has Michigan been putting it on strong as of late? You should have a PWR point (or two) for it (if that's the thing to look at), since we beat them and you beat us....
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
As happy as I am with where SLU is right now, I don't even want to think about rankings or polls. I think that's a recipe for frustration and disappointment. I'm going to keep on hoping for weekend splits, being happy with anything extra, and trying not to get down about losses, even if there are 2 or 3 in a row. There's enough time left for plenty of ups and downs, and I still think we should expect them.
I'm not shocked any more by big wins, but going forward I don't want to be shocked by a couple of Ls either. And if I spend one second worrying about PWR or polls, it's one second too many. We should focus on maintaining a good position for the playoffs, which will not be easy with the remaining schedule, the injuries, and the logjam in the standings.
As happy as I am with where SLU is right now, I don't even want to think about rankings or polls. I think that's a recipe for frustration and disappointment. I'm going to keep on hoping for weekend splits, being happy with anything extra, and trying not to get down about losses, even if there are 2 or 3 in a row. There's enough time left for plenty of ups and downs, and I still think we should expect them.
I'm not shocked any more by big wins, but going forward I don't want to be shocked by a couple of Ls either. And if I spend one second worrying about PWR or polls, it's one second too many. We should focus on maintaining a good position for the playoffs, which will not be easy with the remaining schedule, the injuries, and the logjam in the standings.
FlagDUDE08
Banned
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
http://static.psbin.com/5/c/k0e3jd8wtqhpf1/men-s_wkly_award_winners_01_25.pdf
Congrats to Travis Vermeulen on Player of the Week. Also Kain Tisi on Goalie of the Week.
http://static.psbin.com/5/c/k0e3jd8wtqhpf1/men-s_wkly_award_winners_01_25.pdf
Congrats to Travis Vermeulen on Player of the Week. Also Kain Tisi on Goalie of the Week.
hockeyplayer1015
Capt
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
There are too many teams to cheer for re: common opponents and the records there. As long as we keep winning the games we're supposed to win, and maybe steal a game or 2 against our tougher teams, the CoP will work itself out.
That being said, I like looking at the PWR, not so much the weekly rankings. I won't expect any more or less of the team based on the polls anyways, as anybody can beat anybody in this league. I agree with Tim in that we will probably have a couple dips and rises yet, although who knows, especially with how Tisi is playing of late.
Bruce, to be honest, I'm not sure if its fair to say we need to win the Whitelaw to get in. Obviously I would much rather do that, as you're assured entry and we don't need to fret about a possible tie keeping us out (see: last year). It's also much too early to even predict what could happen in the next 5 weeks. All we can keep doing is win the games we should win, and let the chips fall as they may.
There are too many teams to cheer for re: common opponents and the records there. As long as we keep winning the games we're supposed to win, and maybe steal a game or 2 against our tougher teams, the CoP will work itself out.
That being said, I like looking at the PWR, not so much the weekly rankings. I won't expect any more or less of the team based on the polls anyways, as anybody can beat anybody in this league. I agree with Tim in that we will probably have a couple dips and rises yet, although who knows, especially with how Tisi is playing of late.
Bruce, to be honest, I'm not sure if its fair to say we need to win the Whitelaw to get in. Obviously I would much rather do that, as you're assured entry and we don't need to fret about a possible tie keeping us out (see: last year). It's also much too early to even predict what could happen in the next 5 weeks. All we can keep doing is win the games we should win, and let the chips fall as they may.
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
I'm not going to get caught up in the polls, PWR, etc. Have done so in past seasons and, as Tim said, it's a waste of time even though it's fun to project-out things.
I'm just hoping that the team doesn't forget what has gotten them to this point -- the players being tough mentally, unfazed by anything, and working their tails off. If they don't forget, the rest of the stuff will take care of itself. If the players do forget, all the Coaches have to do is remind them about the trip to Portland. In retrospect, that loss may have been the best thing that could of happened this season.
Whatever the final outcome, this has been an extra special season that all SLU fans can be very proud of. One team named the Saints just made it to the promised land and perhaps we will get there as well. You never know.
I'm not going to get caught up in the polls, PWR, etc. Have done so in past seasons and, as Tim said, it's a waste of time even though it's fun to project-out things.
I'm just hoping that the team doesn't forget what has gotten them to this point -- the players being tough mentally, unfazed by anything, and working their tails off. If they don't forget, the rest of the stuff will take care of itself. If the players do forget, all the Coaches have to do is remind them about the trip to Portland. In retrospect, that loss may have been the best thing that could of happened this season.
Whatever the final outcome, this has been an extra special season that all SLU fans can be very proud of. One team named the Saints just made it to the promised land and perhaps we will get there as well. You never know.
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
Vermeulen takes INCH Player of the Week honors.
http://insidecollegehockey.com/inch/2010/01/25/inch-first-shift-week-16/
Vermeulen takes INCH Player of the Week honors.
http://insidecollegehockey.com/inch/2010/01/25/inch-first-shift-week-16/
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
". . . best defensive forward I've ever coached."
That's high praise coming from Joe, who seems to have one or two of the top 5 defensive forwards in the league just about every year.
". . . best defensive forward I've ever coached."
That's high praise coming from Joe, who seems to have one or two of the top 5 defensive forwards in the league just about every year.
Get the Puck Outta Here
New member
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
Go Saints Go! A lot of stat talk out there, at this point it is all about winning. As long as we keep winning, we keep destiny in our hands. Saints are playing some great hockey since making the turn and they seem to be doing it through the thick and thin. The boys are really stepping it up when they need to, especially with so many injuries. Tisi has been a Cinderella story! Coming in as the third string keeper and rising to be one of the best in the country. What a great story for him and the team. We always seem to be in the underdog role. Whether it is scrambling for votes and recognition in the poles, dealing with poor officiating on our own home ice, or reading Sullivan's negative comments (bitter Harvard Grad), but these Saints seem to thrive on this on this adversity. It has been an exciting season this far and I am looking forward to more great games and some big wins. Let’s continue this weekend by trouncing Cornell and Colgate! Go Saints Go
Go Saints Go! A lot of stat talk out there, at this point it is all about winning. As long as we keep winning, we keep destiny in our hands. Saints are playing some great hockey since making the turn and they seem to be doing it through the thick and thin. The boys are really stepping it up when they need to, especially with so many injuries. Tisi has been a Cinderella story! Coming in as the third string keeper and rising to be one of the best in the country. What a great story for him and the team. We always seem to be in the underdog role. Whether it is scrambling for votes and recognition in the poles, dealing with poor officiating on our own home ice, or reading Sullivan's negative comments (bitter Harvard Grad), but these Saints seem to thrive on this on this adversity. It has been an exciting season this far and I am looking forward to more great games and some big wins. Let’s continue this weekend by trouncing Cornell and Colgate! Go Saints Go
apple2k
Always finish what you
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
I hate to see the new guy get stomped on, so I'm gonna defend the Puckmeister in regards to polls: yes, they DO matter. I remember when Mike McShane was trying to turn around this program--how was he supposed to attract top talent?
--Grants-in-aid? No.
--Top ranking? No.
--Great facility? No.
--Ivy name recognition? No.
So why did he quit? He saw the writing on the wall.
Which brings me back to 2010. We now have 3 of the above 4, and we can attract talent--but the better our poll ranking, the easier it is to fight that Ivy name recognition. It's recognition, baby, and don't try to tell me that it's unimportant.
Mr. Sullivan? Yeah, that was a cheap shot.
PS: see previous thread on "Poles." Israel funny.
I hate to see the new guy get stomped on, so I'm gonna defend the Puckmeister in regards to polls: yes, they DO matter. I remember when Mike McShane was trying to turn around this program--how was he supposed to attract top talent?
--Grants-in-aid? No.
--Top ranking? No.
--Great facility? No.
--Ivy name recognition? No.
So why did he quit? He saw the writing on the wall.
Which brings me back to 2010. We now have 3 of the above 4, and we can attract talent--but the better our poll ranking, the easier it is to fight that Ivy name recognition. It's recognition, baby, and don't try to tell me that it's unimportant.
Mr. Sullivan? Yeah, that was a cheap shot.
PS: see previous thread on "Poles." Israel funny.
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
If you win, you'll get noticed by voters. If you win, you'll be listed in the PWR rankings. When SLU has deserved to be ranked high in the polls, they've been ranked high in the polls.
Without arguing that polls don't matter at all, I still think the coaches and players could make much more productive use of their time working on special teams than they could working over a poll voter.
And as far as Mike McShane is concerned, I'm not convinced that's why he left. He moved closer to home, to a bigger school, likely making a LOT more money . . . at a place where his players didn't hate him (yet). SLU played for the national championship three years later without scholarships or Ivy name recognition - and they were ranked as high as #4 in the polls that year and got a first-round bye in the NCAA tourney.
If you win, you'll get noticed by voters. If you win, you'll be listed in the PWR rankings. When SLU has deserved to be ranked high in the polls, they've been ranked high in the polls.
Without arguing that polls don't matter at all, I still think the coaches and players could make much more productive use of their time working on special teams than they could working over a poll voter.
And as far as Mike McShane is concerned, I'm not convinced that's why he left. He moved closer to home, to a bigger school, likely making a LOT more money . . . at a place where his players didn't hate him (yet). SLU played for the national championship three years later without scholarships or Ivy name recognition - and they were ranked as high as #4 in the polls that year and got a first-round bye in the NCAA tourney.
Got 6 Want More
New member
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
And they were ranked #1 in the nation in 1989!
I agree with Tim...right down the line. When McShane left for Providence, they were national runner-ups. Providence was a big time program (arguably the most successful in Hockey East at the time)! He ended that. His leaving was a blessing because it opened the door to Joe Marsh who IS the best coach in the country! I wouldn't want anyone other than Joe as long as Joe is coaching. When he goes, he has a lot of alums ready to step in with Wellsy, Bob and Hurley!
We lost to Lowell, got smoked by Maine, Niagara, and tied Sacred Heart. PWR is not something we should focus on. We need to focus on winning every game we have left and having a successful run in the playoffs all the way through Albany. We have no easy games left. It is nice to be recognized, but it is even nicer to be in the win column regardless of what the voters do or think! These are the same voters that picked us for 10th in the league (a place we could still finish if we don't continue to win), so what they think isn't actually that important. I personally think it is more motivating to be an underdog.
And they were ranked #1 in the nation in 1989!
I agree with Tim...right down the line. When McShane left for Providence, they were national runner-ups. Providence was a big time program (arguably the most successful in Hockey East at the time)! He ended that. His leaving was a blessing because it opened the door to Joe Marsh who IS the best coach in the country! I wouldn't want anyone other than Joe as long as Joe is coaching. When he goes, he has a lot of alums ready to step in with Wellsy, Bob and Hurley!
We lost to Lowell, got smoked by Maine, Niagara, and tied Sacred Heart. PWR is not something we should focus on. We need to focus on winning every game we have left and having a successful run in the playoffs all the way through Albany. We have no easy games left. It is nice to be recognized, but it is even nicer to be in the win column regardless of what the voters do or think! These are the same voters that picked us for 10th in the league (a place we could still finish if we don't continue to win), so what they think isn't actually that important. I personally think it is more motivating to be an underdog.
apple2k
Always finish what you
Re: SLU 2009-2010 Season
Hmm . . . . Doing well in polls means coaches would spend time working over poll voters? It's better to be the underdog than the overdog? Excuse me if I respectfully disagree.
Polls are important for recruiting purposes, and you know as well as I do that the job of ***'t Coach is Road Warrior--i.e. Recruiter. He spends a LOT more time on that than on special teams.
And if being an underdog is so great, what happened to the Vikings and Jets?
PS: I love these philosophical discussions--don't you?
Hmm . . . . Doing well in polls means coaches would spend time working over poll voters? It's better to be the underdog than the overdog? Excuse me if I respectfully disagree.
Polls are important for recruiting purposes, and you know as well as I do that the job of ***'t Coach is Road Warrior--i.e. Recruiter. He spends a LOT more time on that than on special teams.
And if being an underdog is so great, what happened to the Vikings and Jets?
PS: I love these philosophical discussions--don't you?
- Status